Charities Eligible to Receive Grants Through Participation and 100% of Monies Raised by Kids in Distress (KID) and the Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center (CDTC) Spin-a-thon Teams Go Back to the Organizations

The 8th Marine Industry Cares Foundation Spin-a-thon presented by CycleBar Fort Lauderdale saw nearly 250 marine industry professionals, community supporters, fitness enthusiasts and spinning aficionados ‘pedaling for a purpose’ on Fort Lauderdale Beach as part of the four-hour non-stop spinning fundraiser. The event which raised over $60,000 for MICF Youth STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) Programs and its charitable giving initiatives had a total estimated attendance of nearly 500 people who came out to cheer-on the riders and enjoy the activities in the Spin-a-thon Village.

David Reed, chairman of the Marine Industry Cares Foundation said, “It was a high energy and fun-filled event from start to finish. Everyone who donated, came out to ride or who helped as fundraisers should know that their contributions will make a difference to the MICF youth programs and to the children and families helped by our partners at Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center and Kids In Distress.”

The Spin-a-thon is a spinning bike challenge event where teams commit to riding their bikes for four (4) hours and raise money through personal and corporate donations and online fundraising. The event took place in its new venue at D.C. Alexander Park on Fort Lauderdale Beach after a one-year break in 2016, and nearly 250 participants registered to take their turn in the saddle, all for a great cause. Since its inception, the Spin-a-thon and other MICF fundraising efforts have raised more than $900,000 to support STEM youth programs children and families in need in South Florida. Participants enjoyed a high energy day where spin instructors led the spinners through spin class sessions with DJ music from Rock With U Entertainment while other attendees enjoyed yoga sessions, massage sessions, fitness classes, pilates sessions, food truck fare and observed the spinning in a relaxed picnic-like atmosphere. Volunteers from KID and CDTC helped distribute refreshing treats like water donated by BoatShowHotels.com and Cannabinoid Water, Gatorade and fresh fruit donated by Marando Farms throughout the day.

Local Middle School student and singing phenome Devin Shattuck started the afternoon with a rousing rendition of the National Anthem while City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler and Vice Mayor Dean Trantalis kicked off the event with words of thanks and inspiration to MICF, KID, CDTC and the spinners. “Thank you for what you’re doing!” said Mayor Seiler. “The marine industry is one of Fort Lauderdale’s founding industries and they started this event when the country was seeing some of the hardest economic times. The marine industry doesn’t just say it cares, it shows it cares and I can’t thank the Marine Industry Cares Foundation and everyone who is spinning or supported the event enough for what you’re doing to help introduce youth to the marine industry or to help KID and CDTC,” Seiler said.

When not spinning, participants cheered on their teammates, danced and enjoyed the music and entertainment sponsored by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. When the air horn sounded to mark the end of 4-hours of spinning, a post-ride celebration ended the day with more music, food and drinks provided by local restaurants and bars such as Slackers Bar & Grill, Delaware Chicken & Seafood, Fresh Meal Plan & CRAVE food truck.

Make sure to check out MICF’s photo gallery online and on social media outlets. Thank you to all who participated and supported the 8th Marine Industry Cares Foundation Spin-a-thon presented by CycleBar Fort Lauderdale. Look for dates for next year’s Spin-a-thon soon!

Participants in the 8th MICF Spin-a-thon keep up spirits with help from fitness and spin instructor Deborah Wilson.

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